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Genesis 46: Family Reunion
So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not… Continue reading
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Little Conversations
I had a conversation recently that’s been sitting with me. It started the way these conversations often do – grief. Someone talking about losing a person they loved. Then the familiar sentence: “At least they’re in a better place now.” I didn’t pounce or preach. I just listened. But I did notice the door cracked… Continue reading
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The Divine Usefulness of Trouble
“…We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” – 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 As Paul begins his second letter… Continue reading
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Delightful Obedience
[Saul said] “Tell David that all I want for the bride price is 100 Philistine foreskins! Vengeance on my enemies is all I really want.” But what Saul had in mind was that David would be killed in the fight. David was delighted to accept the offer. – 1 Samuel 18:25-26a (NLT) This account in… Continue reading
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Choose Your Wisdom Wisely
“Who is wise and understanding among you?…” (James 3:13) It’s one thing to admit being wrong – we all make the occasional mistake. But who wants to admit to lacking wisdom? Not me. And probably not you either. So when James transitions into the topic of wisdom in James 3, he does so with what… Continue reading
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God Can Work Even Through Family Dysfunction
“Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.” – Genesis 27:35 Let’s be honest – this story is a real mess! Isaac can’t see, won’t really listen, and seems determined to do things his own way. Rebekah plays favorites and cooks up a scheme that belongs in a bad… Continue reading
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The Serious Matter of Speech
John Wesley once was approached by an opinionated woman in his congregation who told him that she knew what her God-given talent was. “I think my talent from God is to speak my mind,” she said. Wesley replied, “Lady, I don’t think God would mind one bit if you buried that talent.” Some days, that… Continue reading
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The Darkness We Must Confront in Genesis 19
Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to… Continue reading
About Me
Welcome! I’m Scott (aka Former Blackout Artist), and I’m so happy you decided to drop in! I hope you find the content here spiritually enlightening and uplifting. Most of all, I hope that my love of Christ is revealed through my writing and that it encourages you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!